China’s Yin Ruoning collects maiden major title at Women’s PGA Championship

New York, June 26 (BNA): China’s Yin Runing hit a flawless final four birdie to win the Women’s PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club on Sunday and claim her first major title.

Starting the day three strokes out of the lead, Yin pumped her fist as she drained a birdie putt in the 18th, hitting a four-under-par 67, before waiting for her rivals in Springfield, N.J., Reuters. mentioned.

Japan’s Yuka Saso (66) finished one stroke in second place after bogeying a bogey in 16th place in the blemish-free final run.

The 20-year-old Yin, who claimed her maiden LPGA Tour title at the DIO Implant LA Open earlier this year, is the second Chinese woman to win a major golf tournament after Shanshan Feng.

“I would say it’s definitely the target I’m aiming for,” said Yin, who was nine when Feng won the Women’s PGA Championship in 2012. “She is the one who inspired me the most.”

Yin hit every green and kept her balance through a rain delay mid-round, overcoming hiccups she suffered earlier in the tournament that saw her tripped by four bogeys in the second round.

“The last two days my putts have been perfect. I’ve only lost six greens in four days,” she said.

“Before today’s round, I just said my goal for the day (wasn’t) just a three-pointer. I don’t care if I win or not, just no three-pointers. I did that too.”

She gave a quiet celebration but got emotional at the award ceremony as she thanked her parents for supporting her “from day one”.

Sasu drained her birdie pose at the age of 18 but could only watch as Yin equalized her effort.

“I was in 18th place and I saw the leaderboard, knowing I had a one-stroke lead,” Yin said. “After the tee shot, I saw Yuka make a great birdie here, and I know I have to make birdie on this hole to win the tournament. I’m glad I did.”

Spaniard Carlotta Ciganda scored a stunning seven-under-par 64 win, with an eagle in seventh by five points, to finish in a five-way match for third place with Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist, American Megan Kang, China’s Lin Shiyu and Northern’s Stephanie Mido. Ireland.

“I wanted to be aggressive today. I thought I could do a low spin on this golf course,” said Ciganda. “After it rained, I thought it was doable, and I was trying to hit as many greens as possible.”

American Rose Zhang (67), the home country favourite, who impressed earlier this month when she won on her professional debut on the LPGA Tour, has maintained a stellar year on track to finish eighth in her first major as a pro.

“It was unbelievable,” she told reporters. “I felt so much support and love from the fans here.” “Safe to say it’s very special, and I totally took it.”

MI